As great as digital resources can be, there are potential hackers and viruses lurking behind the scenes of your screen.

To protect your business operations, you need a strong cloud service provider.

Here’s everything you need to know to make the best choice.

1. Know What You Need from a Cloud Service Provider

Are you a fully-funded new business with over 100 employees? Or, are you just starting out with a handful of team members?

Questions like these and other seemingly simple business details can say a lot about the kind of cloud service provider to work with.

Think about your preferred method of sharing information.

If you just want to share your business funnel on a software system, you might be satisfied with a basic cloud service. If you need more privacy or IT support, you’ll be looking at in-depth packages with bigger price tags.

Consider the structure of your workspace as well.

You might be able to save on cloud packages and opt for a virtual desktop system instead. This is a great choice for remote employees or physical offices on a small budget.

Virtual desktops are software applications that can be accessed from any monitor.

They create a workspace your team can log into without the need for individual servers.

This lowers your overhead without sacrificing efficiency and security. It’s worth doing your research to learn more about this option.

2. Check the Security Levels

Once you have a better idea of your business needs, find the right level of security to match.

A software-based program is not going to be as strong as a server system.

Software programs are basically applications you use to run a business. They work great for communicating new ideas or having multiple hands on one project.

Server systems are a physical home for your digital cloud.

Having your own server with a cloud provider is like hiring an external IT team.

The server is not in your office, but it feeds you all the virtual information you need – this lets you focus on business operations while your provider handles the back-end details.

Talk to each potential cloud service provider about things like firewalls, anti-virus scans, and user authentication. Tell them to explain the kind of data encryption they use too.

You can even ask about their in-house background checks.

3. Ask About Server Safety

When talking about data security, be aware there are physical harms that can damage a server.

Ask your list of providers about where they keep your server.

Discuss the plans they have in place in case of fires, floods, or earthquakes.

Don’t be afraid to bring up facility protection either. You need to be able to trust your data is in good hands, which includes knowing not everyone can access your server.

4. Look for Good Customer Support

As much as you and your provider prepare for the worst, accidents do happen.

However, it’s best to know how your provider plans to deal with a situation up front.

Ask about data recovery and loss protection. A provider should mention the way they compensate for such issues, and any situations they’ve had in the past.

Customer support doesn’t always involve risks and damages, though.

You should have a point person in the provider’s network to go to. He or she is your main resource for things like adding new users and troubleshooting.

Some support systems are available 24/7 by phone or live chat. Others will not be as accessible, with slower response rates and/or scripted solutions.

5. Consider Your Budget

After getting the technical details out of the way, go back to your budget.

You don’t want to be cheap about choosing a cloud service provider, but you should be getting the most value out of your dollar.

Some companies will allow you to start small and grow your cloud services with your business. Others will offer specific packages, without room for modifications.

Whatever you do, be sure to check the contract policies and opt-out procedures.

No reputable business should be trying to lock you into a package. The best services will be on a pay-as-you-go system, with a detailed break down of your fees.

Some companies operate on a billing system by the hour, others will charge by the minute.

6. Get a Third-Party Opinion

Don’t make your final choice without getting a professional second opinion.

An established cloud service provider should be able to provide a compliance audit.

Audits are your way of getting peace of mind that what is promised is what will be delivered. They’re like an insurance policy on your final decision.

This report shows a provider’s efficiency and safety history. Take your time looking at the numbers and look for a company’s strengths and weaknesses.

7. Think About Compliance

Before signing in to your new cloud system, double-check for any industry compliance standards on your end.

You don’t want to be a medical company trying a new cloud provider just to find out they don’t comply with HIPPA. Similarly, e-commerce businesses will need to check for rules on credit card privacy protection. These are laid out in PCI DDS standards.